Surgical splint



F. W. SCHILLING.

SURGICAL SPLINT. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 11. 1915.

1 128,598, Patented Jan. 20, 1920.

UNITED STATES PATENT (JFFICE.

FREDERICK W. SCHILLING, OF LOUISVILLE, OHIO.

SURGICAL SPLINT.

Application lllcd November 11, 1915.

To all whom it may concern:

lie it known that I, Fnnonnicn lV. Sci-11L- mno, a citizen of the United States, residing at Louisville, in the county of Stark and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Surgical Splint, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to surgical splints and has more especial reference to splints used in cases of broken arms.

The object of the present invention is to provide a splint adapted to be used in band aging a broken arm, with a detachable hand gri With this object in view the invention consi in the novel construction and arrangement of parts. hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportions, size and minor details of construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is a view showing the splint properly located but not bandaged to the broken arm.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the complete splint.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the splint, showing the hand grip removed.

Fig. at is.a detail perspective view of the hand grip.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the hand grip.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a slightly modified form of splint.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several. figures of the drawing.

The present invention relates to surgeons splints, especially designed for use in cases of Colles" frzzrcture. In the accompanying drawings 1. represents the splint proper, which is curved transverse of its length in order to accommodate the palmar surface of the forearm and the forward end thereof is curved at an angle to the length of the splint for the purpose of providing a support or contact surface for the wrist and palm of the hand.

A hand grip 2 is adapted to be remov- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 20, 1920.

Serial No. 60,308.

ably connected to the forward extremity of the splint, said grip being for the purpose of supporting the fingers and thumb as illustrated in Fig. 1, by which arrangement the fingers and thumb are held, by suitable bandages, in such positions that they cannot be 1n0ved,thereby leavingthe muscles of the arm and hand at rest for the desired length of time after a fracture has taken place, to allow the bones to commence the process of knitting. After the fracture has commenced to heal it is necessary to allow free movement of the fingers and thumb, in order to prevent the hand from becoming stiffened and cramped and for this purpose the hand grip 2 is made detachable. After the fracture has healed sufiiciently to allow movement of the fingers and thumb the hand grip may be easily removed from the splint, allowing free movement of the fingers. It will be understood that by removing the hand grip as above described the hand is free to be moved during the time the fracture is healing, after the fracture has partially healed or thebroken bone knitted together.

For the purpose of illustration the hand grip is provided with a slot 3 adapted to receive the extremity of the splint. A pair of spring pressed plungers 4 are slidably mounted within suitable casings 5 communicating with the slot 3 and a spring 6 is interposed between the head of each plunger and the shoulder 7 of the casing, a button 8 being provided upon the upper extremity of each plunger. The rounded heads of these plungers are adapted to be seated in the half round sockets 9 formed near the extremity of the splint when the hand grip is in the position upon the splint as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A slight pull upon the hand grip is sufficient to remove the same from the splint when it is necessary.

In Fig. 6 shown a slightly modified form of connection upon the splint, the splint 1 being provided at its extremity with a pair of metal keeper plates 10, each of said plates being provided with a suitable socket 11 adapted to receive the round ed heads of the spring pressed plungeu; which are carried by the hand grip.

It will he understood that the splint should be formed of light material, suitable for the purpose designed, either wood or aluminum being preferred, but of such matcrial that the injured arm will be held in a rigid condition.

Although the drawings and above specification disclose the best mode in which I have contemplated embodying my invention I desire to be not limited to the details of such disclosure for, in the further practical. application of my invention, many changes in form and construction may be made, as circumstances require or experience suggests, without departing; from the spirit of the invention, within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. As an improved article of manufacture a splint for surgical use consisting of a body portion curved to fit the forearn'l and wrist, aflat portion adapted to lit the palm of the hand and a hand grip provided with a slot adapted to receive the forward extremity of said fiat portion of the splint.

I and provided with '2. As an improved article of manufacture, a splint for surgical use consisting of a body portion adapted to fit the forearm and wrist, a flat portion adapted to fit the palm of the hand, a hand grip provided with a slot adapted to receive the forward extremity of said fiat portion, said flat portion being provided with sockets and spring pressed plungers carried by said hand grip and adapted to engage said sockets.

3. A surgical splint comprising a body portion adapted to fit the forearm, a flat portion adapted to fit the palm of the hand sockets, a hand grip adapted to be secured to said flat portion and buttons carried by said hand grip and adapted to engage the sockets in said flat portion.

In testimony that I claim the above, I 40 have hereunto subscribed my name.

FREDERICK WV. SCHILLING. 

